Man flashing badge in Paterson was no cop, just robber of wallet and phone

By DENISA R. SUPERVILLE

STAFF WRITER |

The Record

PATERSON — City police say they are investigating two Monday night robberies, including one in which a man impersonated a law enforcement official.

A 21-year-old Clifton man told police he was walking in the vicinity of 175 Broadway around 9:45 p.m. Monday, when he was approached by two men in their late 30s or 40s.

One of the men displayed a badge, leading the victim to believe the he was a law enforcement officer, said Lt. Bert Ribeiro.

The "officer" demanded that the victim put his hands on the wall, while his accomplice inquired whether the victim was in the area to buy drugs. They patted him down, took his cellphone, wallet and credit cards and fled.

It was only then that he realized that the men were not police officers, the victim said.

The second robbery occurred around 10 p.m. in the area of Eighth Avenue and East 19th Street, where a 26-year-old city resident reported the theft of a Samsung Galaxy cellphone and $10 in cash, police said.

The two robbers in the second incident were described as in their late teens. Police said they approached the man and demanded his belongings.

Man flashing badge in Paterson was no cop, just robber of wallet and phone

By DENISA R. SUPERVILLE

STAFF WRITER |

The Record

PATERSON — City police say they are investigating two Monday night robberies, including one in which a man impersonated a law enforcement official.

A 21-year-old Clifton man told police he was walking in the vicinity of 175 Broadway around 9:45 p.m. Monday, when he was approached by two men in their late 30s or 40s.

One of the men displayed a badge, leading the victim to believe the he was a law enforcement officer, said Lt. Bert Ribeiro.

The "officer" demanded that the victim put his hands on the wall, while his accomplice inquired whether the victim was in the area to buy drugs. They patted him down, took his cellphone, wallet and credit cards and fled.

It was only then that he realized that the men were not police officers, the victim said.

The second robbery occurred around 10 p.m. in the area of Eighth Avenue and East 19th Street, where a 26-year-old city resident reported the theft of a Samsung Galaxy cellphone and $10 in cash, police said.

The two robbers in the second incident were described as in their late teens. Police said they approached the man and demanded his belongings.